Athena Diner in Fleetwood is closing

[goatlet]

Any dish on what might be replacing it? Would love another diner there but hoping that at the very least it won't be a franchise play like Dunkin Donuts or something equally evil. Fingers crossed for a decent restaurant.

[varsitysg]

Sadly, they were unable to make their very high rent payments. They didn't offer the best food, but they've been an institution in Mount Vernon and will be missed by many. Indeed, when the news leaked out a few days ago, many I know were very saddened by the news.

As of now, there isn't any talk of what will be replacing Athena's. Athena's occupied what is essentially two storefronts in that building and there have been rumors over the past year that DD would take over the innermost storefront with Athena's reducing in size and keeping the side at the corner of the block, so whether DD moves into one of those storefronts remains to be seen.

[Sloth]

I have nothing against Dunkin Donuts, but one of the things I like best about the Gramatan shopping area is the lack of fast food chains.

And even though I only ate at Athena maybe once a year, it will be strangely sad to see it go.

[doberlady]

Even with the bad food I am sad to see it go. I grew up in Fleetwood and it was a mainstay of my life there.

[goatlet]

I couldn't agree more. It was a reliable and solid presence in the neighborhood.

[jessheslin]

Has it closed yet? What is the closing day? I really want those waffles one last time!!

[Sloth]

Sorry, jess.
The last day was Monday 8/24 (according to the sign in the window).

[jessheslin]

Bummer, thanks! Lived in F'wood for 5 years. They were always so nice to us there. The food was good and consistent and the waffles were so fluffy with a vanilla-y flavor that I just loved. Oh, well!

[goatlet]

Good news: It looks like another restaurant is taking the place of the diner. A place called "Windmill Eatery," if I am remembering it correctly. I saw a sign in the window when out walking the other day. I think we may have escaped the franchise!! Can't wait to see the developments.

[jcmods]

Yep there was a sign by the mailboxes in our building. So glad it is not a Dunkin Donuts.

[rolise]

So did the sign say anything about what type of restaurant it will be?

[jcmods]

Sign says, and I quote;
Serving
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Cafe

Make of that what you will. I'm guessing a slightly more upscale diner than Athena used to be.

[goatlet]

Let's hope for the best. They don't seem to be in any hurry to open, that's for sure.